Join the Team: Lead Barista

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Boise, ID

A Lead Barista is a seasoned coffee professional who, in addition to preparing high-quality beverages and providing excellent customer service, takes on supervisory and training responsibilities to ensure smooth operations and uphold Bogus Basin’s hospitality standards. This role help’s guide the team while maintaining consistency and efficiency in all cafe operations.

Why Bogus Basin?

Where Mountain Life Meets City Living:

Just 16 miles from Boise, Bogus Basin offers the unique chance to work in a mountain environment while living in one of the most livable cities in the U.S. Enjoy year-round recreation paired with a vibrant community atmosphere.

Mission-Driven, Community-Focused:

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Bogus Basin’s mission is to provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable mountain recreation and education for the Treasure Valley community. Every cup served supports that mission and connects guests to the mountain experience.

Unbeatable Access to the Outdoors:

Employees enjoy recreation perks, mountain access, and the opportunity to work in a fun, fast-paced environment surrounded by nature—all while helping to enhance the guest experience at Bogus Basin.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As the Lead Barista, you’ll ensure smooth daily operations in the cafe while setting the tone for excellent service, product quality, and teamwork. You’ll lead by example, providing mentorship to baristas, maintaining consistent drink standards, and supporting the Cafe Manager with scheduling, training, and inventory.

A Day in the Life

You’ll start the day preparing espresso equipment, coordinating the barista team, and ensuring all stations are stocked and organized. Throughout your shift, you’ll balance hands-on beverage preparation with team oversight—crafting drinks, mentoring staff, and engaging customers. You’ll support management with cash handling, restocking, and equipment care while fostering a clean, efficient, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions of the Job

• Lead, guide, and motivate the barista team by example, fostering a positive and professional work environment.
• Train and mentor new baristas on coffee preparation, customer service, cash handling, and operational procedures.
• Prepare and serve a variety of coffee, tea, and specialty beverages according to brand standards and recipes.
• Ensure consistent product quality, presentation, and efficiency during peak periods.
• Greet customers, provide friendly and knowledgeable service, and resolve guest concerns professionally.
• Support management with scheduling, inventory management, and ordering supplies.
• Perform opening and closing duties, including cash balancing and maintaining cleanliness standards.
• Maintain and troubleshoot coffee equipment, reporting repair needs promptly.

What You Bring to Bogus Basin

• 1–2 years of barista experience required; prior leadership experience in food service preferred.
• Strong knowledge of coffee brewing methods, extraction, and milk preparation.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Ability to multitask and perform efficiently in a high-volume setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Food handler certification as required by local regulations.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Candidate must have a current, up-to-date Food Service Safe certificate.

What we offer

Employee perks including a Bogus Basin season pass, food and beverage discounts, retail and rental discounts, and access to mountain recreation.

• Supportive, mission-driven work environment with community-focused values.
• Training and skill-building in leadership and coffee craft.

Be Part of Something Bigger

By joining as a Lead Barista, you’ll help create a welcoming café experience that fuels both the mountain community and Bogus Basin’s mission. Every drink you serve supports affordable recreation and environmental stewardship in the Treasure Valley.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bogus Basin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Application assistance available upon request.